Hurry, Hurry! Rush! Rush! Rush!

I mean, I know it’s December – and [like every other month] it can be super hectic!

Buuut, let’s just recall for a moment who lets it get that way?

Christmas programs, parties, gifts to buy… people to see… family to please. The list goes on and on.

It can bog us down – to no end. (Especially if you’re not exercising or eating right – so this is your friendly reminder of all of the reasons to STAY on track!)

We are doing a Jesse tree this year… It’s something I’ve wanted to do for Advent for about 5 years, and I just haven’t made it a priority. Hey, I’m just being honest – because that’s the Truth really… I mean, I have OTHER excuses – but ultimately it was because I didn’t MAKE it happen, and put it at the top of my list.

Shame on me.

It’s the little things now and then that we do that make us feel like we really ARE making progress in life, vs. standing still with a crazy life moving all around us. Finally doing the Jesse tree made me feel like I made some progress!

I just wanted us to stop and take a moment to think about when we hear God. Is it in the busy times … the go, go, go? Or can we even HEAR Him during those times? I mean, sure you’re doing a quick devotional here, thanking Him for your food there…

But truly.

Are you able to SIT in quiet? And think? Pray? Listen…

What is God telling you?

Several ago when my mom was sick with her cancer, I spent a lot of time on the phone with her. Time I’ll never regret because I know it was medicine for her, and it was healing for our relationship. But at the time, it was taking a lot of my “free time” at a time that I didn’t have any free time. Balls in my life were falling all over the place – as I struggled to juggle them all.

Something had. to. give.

So I prayed. Lord, WHAT do I need to do?

I specifically remember feeling so guilty about giving up the Christmas program for our kids. I thought some how I was letting God down, or the kids down, or the church down, if we didn’t participate.

Yep. I really thought that. I over analyzed what everyone else was thinking if we didn’t participate too. (As if they were in the equation of what was going on in my heart – and in our family?) Then, it was as if God just spoke right to my heart.

In the calmness of the time with Him, He said, “It’s ok, just let it go – spend time with Me, and make time for your Mom.”

Just like that. He let me know that, while those things are nice – they aren’t what “makes” the season of celebrating Jesus’ birth. [We could get rid of about 90% of the other stuff and then MAYBE we’d have a celebration worth giving Him glory.]

But for me, at that time – it was a huge answer to prayer! It empowered me to no longer feel guilt about things that we weren’t called to at that time. We aren’t “here” to please others – and we need not put that guilt on ourselves, when we not purposefully trying to be upsetting. It’s not healthy!

Now, I still have plenty of other things I over analyze – don’t worry, I’m not perfect!! But He has made so much progress in the way of NOT sweating the little things, for the sake of “people pleasing”. If it’s not in His timing, or best for our family at “this time” – then we simply don’t do it.

We have to keep our health at the top of priorities, even in the busy seasons of life (and this includes STRESS!!) – or it will QUICKLY slip to the bottom of the list. But who would let that happen?

Again… it’s YOU.

Pray and prioritize the way God’s word says we should. What do you need to let go of?

Don’t let your food choices and exercise go by the wayside for the sake of “too busy” and “not enough time” – adjust your schedule, even NOW to put Him first! After all, this season is about HIM!

This week’s Advent theme is PEACE. May His peace be with you.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men?

If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10